The Age of Napoleon
Alistair Horne, The Age of Napoleon (Modern Library, 2006)
Summary: Part biography, part period piece. A perfect scene-setter for further study in this area. Art, dress, science, infrastructure, royal politics.
Key Quote: "At times Napoleon seemed close to despair over his plans for making his capital 'the most beautiful in the world.' Essentially a man of the midi, there were several times when he contemplated escaping altogether from the negative attitude of the Parisians to found an entirely new capital in Lyons, 'a habitation worthy of my rank and fortune.' With due modesty, he thought of calling it Napoleonville." - p. 93
Bottom Line: Read this book if you want to understand why Napoleon mattered.
